9402723 TUMMALA This award establishes a new Engineering Research Center (ERC) at the Georgia Institute of Technology on Low-Cost Electronic Packaging. The vision of the ERC is to improve performance of electronic products significantly while simultaneously reducing size and cost. The objectives of the ERC are: (1) to carry-out research, development and prototype manufacturing in low-cost, high-performance, and portable electronic packages consistent with industry needs, (2) to transfer this knowledge to industry, and (3) to train future leaders by educating students, industrial personnel, and faculty from Georgia Institute of Technology and other institutions. The essential components of the ERC are research, partnerships with industry, education, and technology transfer. The research thrusts include: (1) package design and modeling, (2) low-cost micro-chip module (MCM) based on novel materials, processing, and large area planarization, (3) MCMs with integrated passive and active devices, (4) MCMs with integrated optoelectronic components, (5) novel interconnect materials and processing tools, (6) assembly, (7) testing including built-in self test for mixed-signal designs and fault location. (8) thermal management, and (9) large-area prototype manufacturing. The electronics industry is built on the following technology elements: semiconductor chips, electronic packages, power sources, displays, and the systems that are formed through integration. The United States leads in the design of computers, telecommunication system, and the use of electronics in most industrial and commercial applications. The United States trails in consumer electronics, and is increasingly dependent on non-domestic sources for electronic packages and production equipment. Electronic packaging is one of the most important strategic technologies in electronics. The ERC will have a major impact on education of students in this important topic. The Georgia Institute of Technology is among the largest producers of electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineering students in the United States. This ERC will expose undergraduate, graduate and post- graduate students to this area of high national economic importance. This award initiates the ERC with a 5-year cooperative agreement. ***
